Liverpool and Premier League settle dispute which led to academy transfer ban

City's outlay has contributed to one Premier League title and two League Cup wins, while United have claimed FA Cup League Cup and Europa League success over the same period, yet both clubs may have expected more after such vast outlays. "We will try to be there as well, we have quality as well, and we will fight for every title".

The club regained the top slot in the Deloitte Football Money League in January. "But I think because of the money they have spent they are the favourites".

"There is always pressure when you spend a lot but there is also pressure on us because we are the biggest club in England". They are under pressure. We won three last season so they have more obligation than us. They are obligated to win titles.

City's vast transfer spending continues this summer as they added the Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, Ederson and Danilo to an already expensively assembled squad, while Jose Mourinho's United spent big to snap up striker Romelu Lukaku (£75m), Nemanja Matic (£35m) and Victor Lindelof (£30m). "But you know when you play for Man United wining is an expectation and an obligation but I like that obligation to be honest".

United kick off their defence of the League Cup against Burton Albion on Wednesday, when Sergio Romero may get his first run out of the season in place of the ever-impressive David De Gea.

Between now and then every single way United or City can gain an advantage over their rivals, that will take it.

"The Potters will set it out to make it hard for Chelsea, and they showed against Manchester United earlier in the month what they are capable of against the top teams".

And with Yaya Touré likely to leave when his contract is up next summer, and Fabian Delph also unlikely to remain beyond this season, keeping Fernandinho is a priority for City despite his advancing years as a footballer.